A.G. Schneiderman Announces Election Day Hotline to Ensure Access for Voters Across New York State

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WBNG News

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Election Day Hotline to Ensure Access for Voters Across New York State

November 5, 2012Updated Nov 5, 2012 at 4:08 PM EST

(WBNG Binghamton) New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman on Monday announced an Election Day hotline to help ensure that minority-language voters, people with disabilities and others are able to cast an effective ballot during the November 6th general election.

The Attorney General urged voters to call the Office’s Hotline at 800-771-7755 or email civil.rights@ag.ny.gov at any time between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. to report problems at the polls.

“The right to vote is one of our nation's most important civil rights. My office is committed to ensuring that all eligible voters across our state are able to exercise their constitutionally-protected right to vote on Election Day,” said Attorney General Schneiderman.

The announcement follows recent agreements Attorney General Schneiderman entered into with Schenectady, Ulster and Rockland Counties pursuant to Section 4(e) of the Voting Rights Act, which requires that certain Spanish-speaking voters be provided bilingual ballots, bilingual election-related materials and language assistance at the polls. The Election Day hotline is part of Attorney General Schneiderman's ongoing statewide initiative to ensure that these and other voters have equal access to the political process and do not encounter barriers on Election Day.

In addition, the Attorney General's Office will be focused on barriers impacting voters with disabilities and other issues faced by minority voters. The Office will receive and respond to election-related complaints relating to any of the statutes that the Office enforces. Attorneys within the Office's Civil Rights Bureau will work with election officials across the state to respond to and address problems as they arise.

Those voters impacted by Hurricane Sandy are encouraged to contact their local Boards of Elections for information on any resulting polling site changes or reassignments.